Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault announced that Ottawa has made the decision to stop investing in new road infrastructure. He stated that the existing network is “perfectly adequate.” During a conference on public transit in Montreal, he mentioned that while the federal government will continue to support cities, provinces, and territories in maintaining existing networks, they will no longer provide funding to enlarge the road network.
Guilbeault also expressed the government’s belief that economic and human development goals can be achieved without further enlargement of the road network. He suggested that the funds for road infrastructure would be better invested in projects aimed at mitigating climate change. The Liberal government contends that federal investments in public transportation, territorial planning, and densification will contribute to these goals without expanding the current network of roads.
The environment minister also emphasized that investing in road networks would lead to increased car usage, thereby worsening congestion and prompting additional road development. He noted that a significant portion of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions comes from transportation. To address this issue, Ottawa has been investing heavily in programs to encourage the use of public transit over private vehicles.
Guilbeault clarified that the government does indeed allocate funds for roads, but large-scale projects aimed at enlarging road networks would not receive funding. Instead, the Liberals emphasize investing in public transportation, including buses, subways, and bicycle trails, with the goal of reducing pollution and encouraging the use of cleaner electric power and zero-emission vehicles.
The environment minister’s announcement has led to some confusion and criticism. Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed surprise at the decision to cease investment in new road infrastructure. Additionally, Canada’s rapidly growing population may put added pressure on existing road networks, with the number of immigrants expected to rise in the near future.
Guilbeault’s statement and government data fluctuate, as Ottawa had announced significant additional spending on public transportation projects in the previous years. However, the stance that further funding for new road networks will not occur remains unchanged.